Cascata Rain Barrel – Product Review

Have you been considering purchasing a rain barrel but don’t want some ugly hunk of plastic becoming an eye sore next to your beautiful home? Me too! I have to admit I’m not a big fan of the look of some of the rain barrels out there so I wasn’t totally sold on this idea. I think the idea of recycling water is great, but I’m really not willing to compromise on appearance. Luckily, I came across the Cascata Rain Barrel and it saved the day. You can’t even tell it’s a rain barrel at first glance; I initially thought it was a large terra cotta pot! Adding to my excitement is the fact that it has a removable planter on the top, so it really can look like a tall terra cotta planter with way more functionality. It comes in chocolate, slate gray or terra cotta - making it blend in easily with any decor.

Of course, the Cascata Rain Barrel is not just great looking; it’s also just as functional as all those monstrosities out there (ah, beauty and brains!). This 65 gallon rain saving container is constructed of a product called roto molded plastic, which basically means it can withstand the most extreme temperatures and will not chip, crack, or fade over time. It is also double walled for added strength and durability. To prevent debris from entering and clogging the drain, there is a corrosion proof screen guard in between the planter and the container itself.

The rain barrel features an overflow valve, which keeps it from becoming too full and interfering with the planter. You can use a small hose to direct the overflow away from the house or place two rain barrels side by side and connect the overflow valve from one into the bottom drain of the second and collect even more usable water. Towards the bottom of the rain barrel is a brass spigot with an easy shut off nozzle for easy dispensing into a small watering can. Attach the included 6 foot garden hose to the spigot and conveniently water your lawn or garden. When not in use, a hook on the side holds the hose neatly in place.

One thing to keep in mind is that the hose must be kept low pointing down or level with the ground for maximum water pressure. The higher up you lift the hose, the less pressure you’re going to get. If you plan on using the rain barrel up an incline or far away from the barrel you may want to purchase the Cascata Rain Barrel Deluxe Edition. With the deluxe edition you will receive a powerful 600 gph (gallons per hour) submersible pump. This will allow you to to get about 40 psi’s of pressure, about equal to regular pipe pressure, for about 6 minutes per barrel.

If you’re still not convinced this is the rain barrel for you, it might help to know the Cascata Rain Barrel comes with a Lifetime Warranty on the double walled enclosure so you can be sure the rain barrel will stand the test of time.